Master of Science (MS) in Bioengineering

The MS in Bioengineering provides students with a range of opportunities for advanced study in this interdisciplinary field. The program focuses on research programs that include materials and tissue engineering, biomechanics, orthopedic biomechanics, cardiac bioengineering, and neural engineering.

Major research laboratories include the Syracuse Biomaterials Institute and laboratories at nearby SUNY Upstate Medical University, such as the Institute for Human Performance. Strong collaboration between SUNY Upstate and Syracuse University faculty, students, and staff provides opportunities for bioengineering research in clinical and basic science departments at Upstate, as well as in-depth study at one of the Syracuse University bioengineering research centers.

Admission RequirementsStudents accepted to this program generally have a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Bioengineering or a closely related discipline. Students who do not may need to take bridging coursework

Degree RequirementsThe MS in Bioengineering is a flexible program with a choice of three plans. The MS can be a terminal degree or an introduction to research before pursuing the Ph.D. All three options are designed to be completed in about two years.

Colleen chose the 4+1 BS/MS option to make herself more marketable to employers. As an undergraduate in the bioengineering program, she worked in a research lab and also did a co-op at a pharmaceutical company. While she liked the research experience, she prefers to work on more hands-on and applied projects. In her master's program, her favorite class was advanced bioengineering design because it was an opportunity to develop a product from concept to completion. She completed her graduate degree as a full-time student while also working for Bristol Myers Squibb in Syracuse as a contract associate scientist. “It’s hard,” said Colleen, “but it’s also rewarding.” After graduation, she accepted a position as a process development engineer at Celldex.

Being born in the Northeast, Colleen is an avid downhill skier. As an undergrad, she was also on the Syracuse University English Equestrian team and, in her free time as a grad student, she loved to go back to the farm to groom and ride the horses.